Category Archives: Expat to Expat Advice

Expat to Expat–Suggestions to help you hire the FDW that’s right for your family

Posted on August 3, 2018 by Expat Bostonians

This is my last post from the drafts folder. This has been sitting there since 2016 because this is an inflammatory post. Anything I’ve added for clarification will have a *** *** around it. I have been debating whether or … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture Shock, Expat to Expat Advice, Helpers, Singapore, Uniquely Singapore | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Expat to Expat–Suggestions to help you hire the FDW that’s right for your family

Moving my cats to the US

Posted on November 21, 2017 by Expat Bostonians

We adopted Gandalf and Kerowyn from the SPCA in Singapore. I have no experience with moving animals to Singapore, but here’s a link if you’re looking for that information. To make things fun, each state is allowed to set their … Continue reading →

Posted in Back to the US, Expat to Expat Advice, repatriation | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Moving my cats to the US

“How do you and your kids enjoy life in Singapore?”

Posted on July 7, 2016 by Expat Bostonians

I’ve recently been emailing with a potential expat. I had a number of Singaporean expats respond to my emails, answer questions, and generally be a great resource for our move. Some of them are now irl friends (or were and … Continue reading →

Posted in Assimilation, Attractions, Before the Move, Culture Shock, Expat to Expat Advice, Helpers, Shopping, Singapore, Theater/Shows/Events, Third Culture Kids, Uniquely Singapore, With Kids | Tagged , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

US vs Singapore Public Schools—Grading

Posted on June 30, 2016 by Expat Bostonians

One of the things I struggle with as a foreign parent is understanding the grading system in Singapore. On one hand, I find the grading system incredibly forgiving. Everything over a 85 is an A? 70-85 is a B? 50-70 … Continue reading →

Posted in Assimilation, Culture Shock, Education, Expat to Expat Advice, Singapore | Tagged , , , | 14 Comments

You’ve gotten your PR letter–now what?

Posted on July 17, 2014 by Expat Bostonians

Some quick background.  We applied for permanent residency in Singapore in December, and received our notice that we had been granted PR last week. Now what happens? If you get approved for PR, you get an in-principle approval letter that … Continue reading →

Posted in Assimilation, Expat to Expat Advice, Permanent Residency Process, Singapore | Tagged , , | Comments Off on You’ve gotten your PR letter–now what?

I’m happy to get my medical care in Singapore these days…

Posted on March 24, 2014 by Expat Bostonians

I’ve been reflecting a lot recently about medical care here versus the US. I know this building WAY too well I initially injured my back in 1995 playing tennis in high school.  I had the occasional issue with my back … Continue reading →

Posted in Expat to Expat Advice, medical, Pregnant Expat, Singapore | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

The divided expat community…

Posted on March 14, 2014 by Expat Bostonians

I’m going to start this post with a disclaimer so I can (hopefully) not get flamed in comments.  A reminder to new commenters that your first comment on EB will be held for my moderation, but once you’ve had one … Continue reading →

Posted in Assimilation, Expat to Expat Advice, Identity | Tagged , , , , | 18 Comments

Expat to Expat Advice-The downside of NOT having a maid

Posted on March 11, 2014 by Expat Bostonians

I’ve talked before about the stresses and downsides of having a helper and all the ways it failed for me, particularly as someone who has no prior experience managing someone in that sort of situation. Our family has decided not … Continue reading →

Posted in Expat to Expat Advice, Helpers, Singapore | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Expat to Expat Advice-The downside of NOT having a maid

Apartment Hunting Tips (Expat to Expat advice)

Posted on October 31, 2013 by Expat Bostonians

After apartment hunting at several points during my time as an expat in Singapore (although, ironically we’ve ended up staying put in our first apartment), I think I have some tips to help you in your search.     Before … Continue reading →

Posted in Before the Move, Expat to Expat Advice, Housing, Random Stuff, Singapore | 4 Comments

The Expat Experience and My Relationship-My story

Posted on June 10, 2013 by Expat Bostonians

For a few months now I’ve wanted to start a series of guest posts about how the expat experience can impact a relationship.  With all of my medical and life drama, that ended up on the back burner.  However, today … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture Shock, Expat to Expat Advice, Identity, Random Stuff | 4 Comments